Chapter 6

Party

"Shot!"

Instead of going straight to the coffee shop, we ended up inside a bar. It's called Catastrophe. This is a place where the rich people usually go. Most of the customers here are elites and those who have a say in the society. Let's say a name. A high profiled name.

"Why don't you drink?" Fabio gave me the glass with just a drink but I shook my head. "You don't drink?" he slightly raised his brow at me. He was sitting on my left while Miya was on my right. We are facing the Coleridge brothers, the owner of Devil's Glass, the liquor that I am currently modeling with Xander, Brandon, and Fabio.

Xander and Brandon aren't here. They said they had something to do now so they didn't come with us.

"I drink, but just not now. I don't feel like doing it right now." I said with a smile. Fabio is actually a gentleman. Well, he's a little bit flirty but tolerable. I think that it's just really his nature. It's his thing.

Fabio's a bit tanned and muscular. His muscles are almost bursting with excessive size. And I also think that he's a mixed. I would doubt if he'll say he's pure Filipino because he doesn't look like one.

"Oh... So, what do you prefer? Juice? Or me?" he let out a smirk and I just chuckled.

"Are you guys enjoying?" We looked at the person who spoke. It was Gresso Coleridge. I think, between him and his brother, Gresso is the most playful. His aura is bright whenever he smiles, but something's a bit odd with him though. And the oldest, Hades Coleridge. He's a silent type. He spoke only once and he usually nods. They're both equally handsome. But, Hades really hits different. Maybe because he's quite mysterious.

"We're more than enjoying, Sir." Fabio raised his glass. Gresso just smirked in return before turning to me. I smiled a bit. His eyes narrowed as he stared at me and then he laughed.

I slightly elbowed Miya.

"You know what, earlier in the shoot, I was staring at you because you really look familiar to me. Isn't she, Kuya?" Gresso asked his brother. Hades just nodded before staring at me. I shifted uncomfortably on my seat.

It's weird. Even me too, I am familiar with the both of them. I just don't really know where I saw them. I don't know. I'm not really sure. Or maybe it's just my feeling.

"Now I know why you're very familiar..." he added before laughing again like he already knew me. I winced.

I frowned but I didn't entertain much of what he said.

"That's impossible, Sir. Beautrin's beauty is one of a kind." Miya said making me feel even more awkward.

Yes. It's really impossible. Maybe I wasn't the one they saw. I almost forgot that I have a twin.

"Anyway, a friend of ours is coming here. He's one of our investor too so..." Gresso drawled while his eyes were still on me. I felt Miya lightly pinch my side as if she saw the man's gaze at me.

"Gresso seems smitten by your beauty..." Fabio laughed softly at my side. Well, that added more of the awkwardness. But I don't think he really is. I feel like he is just curious about me.

I drank my pineapple juice.

I was surprised to see that some of the women who were dancing awhile ago approached our table. They all flop towards the Coleridge brothers. Three for Gresso and one for Hades.

I moved towards Miya's side when the two girls sat on Fabio's lap. He even had the audacity to wink at me before kissing his girls alternately. Well... That's your playboy Fabio right there.

"I hope we didn't go with them anymore." I said before sighing. I thought that we'll be having a real coffee today. But I was not informed that they will be drinking a coffee that would make us all drunk. Well, if only I had the appetite to drink.

"That's okay. I might be able to fish a wealthy CEO here," Miya chuckled and I glared at her. She's not allowed to. She can't be ahead of me. I must fish a CEO first or...maybe we can do it together instead. Pft.

"I'll just go to the restroom..." I informed Miya. She even insisted to come with me but I didn't allow it. I can go there alone, and besides, it's only on the second floor.

I didn't say goodbye to the boys because they were all busy anyways.

When I was inside the restroom, I immediately did my thing. I don't really plan on staying inside because I smell something really strange.

After I retouched and washed my hands, I went out and immediately went down to my table. I was planning on staying on the second floor, but my eyes seemed to be spinning around even though I was only drinking my pineapple juice. Well, the blinding lights made me dizzy, probably.

When I saw the table, I immediately approached Miya, completely ignoring the person who was sitting beside Gresso.

"Miya, let's go home." I told her. I frowned when I saw her eyes widen as she stared at my back and then at me. As if she was trying to warn me or something. She doesn't really have to. I already saw him. I just refused to acknowledge him because that's what we really should do.

"Miya." I scolded. I started to feel irritated because of my headache, it felt like something was digging inside my stomach, you might want to add that I am also feeling so hungry and feel like eating a steak at Jollibee today.

"T-Trin..." Miya stuttered.

"Oh, Miss Beautrin, you're here. By the way, this is my friend, Claus Monteserio. He's one of the investors of the company."

I was stoned in my place when I heard his name. Yeah. I thought I was just hallucinating!

W-what?! I was hungry so that's why!

I don't know what got into my brain and without saying a word, I just grab my bag from Miya's side before running out of the place.

Shit!

I heard their voices calling me but I didn't listen to it and continued running outside.

I only breath a sigh of relief when I finally got out, but that was short-lived when someone pulled my arms, making me face the person whom, I am supposed to be ignoring right now.

"Yes? Sir?" There. Thank God Beautrin and you didn't stutter. But deep inside I feel like I want the earth's crust to swallow me right now.

He frowned while looking at me.

"You're the model?" he spat out angrily. His face mixed with disgust did not escape me. My stomach churned painfully at the sight. Of course, what do you expect Beautrin?

"Yes." my short answer.

He violently let go of my hand he was holding before staring at me intently. Anger, disgust, and annoyance were the only things I can see in his eyes.

"You won't stop, don't you? You won't stop until you get what you want? What else do you want, huh? Did you accept the contract because you know you'll see me?! Is that it, huh?! What? You're going to pay attention to me?! Do you really think that you can fool me?! Well, think again! You'll never get what you want! Please! Just please! Stop being desperate! You just look like a dog who follows me everywhere! I don't like you anymore! Well, guess what? I don't even know if I really loved you when we were together! Because I don't think so! You're nothing but a substitute when Beatriz isn' t around! You are just a second choice!"

Chapter 7

Dinner

"I hope you feel guilty for rejecting your sister several times. She wanted you to be here for dinner and you what? Continue to reject her."

"What will be my role be at the dinner, Mom, and why do I need to be there? What? To embarrass me?"

"You ungrateful child! Your sister is not like that! Go or-"

I cut the call before turning my phone off.

It's eleven in the morning, I just woke up and I can hear my good mother's voice again. Like, what the hell? Can't they let me rest for a day?

I sighed deeply.

Last night was what I call a nightmare. I don't want to remember all the things that Claus said because my heart hurts so much. It's like my heart is being torn apart again and again by hearing those words from his mouth. I don't even want to recall it.

I was crying the whole night. It was almost morning when I completely fell asleep. I don't even want to look at myself in the mirror because I expected my face to look very bad today.

I sighed heavily as I stared at the ceiling.

Until when? How long will I stay like this? Until when will I suffer? I am hoping...I hope I can find a way to forget him forever. Because if I won't do that, who will do it for me? No one. Only I, can do it.

I lazily took a bath that morning. I changed into something casual. I want to go around the mall now and I do hope that people will really respect my privacy. I hope I won't get dragged by the media or the people today. But, should I really expect that?

Miya doesn't want me to go out of my condo alone. I am a public figure so it is expected that my life will not be normal because cameras will chase me everyday. Honestly, I am hoping that one day, I'll be able to do the things I was used to before. The kind of thing where I don't have to look behind to check if someone's following me or something. I miss those days.

I hailed a taxi and the driver brought me to the nearest mall from the condo. The taxi driver was very happy because he said that his daughter is a huge fan of me. He is so kind so I gave him the bracelet I was wearing and told him to give it to his daughter. He was so happy and grateful. It made me smile even more.

He was very grateful to drop me off at the opposite side of the mall. I thanked and waved at him goodbye before going inside.

People kept staring at me as I walked, but I was thankful that no one approached though. Some of them were just secretly taking pictures.

I entered all the stores and clothing shops but at the end, I didn't buy a single one. I think I'd rather look now than actually shop and buy something.

After I exhaust myself with just looking at the branded clothes and I entered a fast-food restaurant to eat my lunch. My eyes immediately lit up when I saw the steak. I don't know but I really want to eat steak at Jollibee right now, then I'll mix the spaghetti and gravy with the fried chicken, I don't know, I really want to close my eyes because it was so delicious to even stay awake and sane.

After ordering, I immediately sat on the vacant seat near the glass wall. It was such a nice view, seeing people from the inside of the restaurant walking and happily chattering.

After eating, I played alone in an arcade games inside the mall. When I was tired, I ate again before going home.

Just after I arrived, my cellphone rang.

Miya was calling...

"Yeah?"

"You went to the mall alone?!" I heard her hysterical voice from the other line. I arched my brow before sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Yes, and so?"

"You are f-cking trending on twitter! Some news is coming out that you are pregnant! Why the hell would you go to the Baby's Clothing section?!"

My lips parted. Ah, that? I thought no one noticed that I was inside? I'm just looking at it. I just found the clothes cute so...

After Miya gave me an almost nonstop nagging, and after she was satisfied with it, she completely hung up. I showered again and dressed in a simple off shoulder black dress.

This was a gift from Miya back then and I am only wearing it now. She said that, my closet is too full of designer and branded clothes. She said I need a cheap dress. I don't think this is cheap though. But nevertheless, it looks great on me. I look like a dead angel.

I put a light make up on my face. I took a mirror shot before sending it to Miya. She'll probably be happy seeing this.

I took my pouch. It's channel by the way. It's one of my favorite pouches because it really glows at night. I personally think that the pouch doesn't go with my dress tonight but I don't care. The important thing is that I have a channel.

I sighed.

I left the unit. I'll drive my own way to the house. And I mean the house where I stayed when I was a kid.

I've never been there again since I left home. I was 19 when I decided to move out, and right now, I am 24 already. Time flies so fast, huh? I can hardly remember what the house where I grew up looked like.

It was just half an hour drive and I expected to arrive at 6:30, but I got stuck with the traffic.

I was so irritated when I got there especially that I was very hungry.

I arrive exactly at 7:30 for God's sake! I left the condo early to arrive early but it turns out, it's still late. But at least I came right?

"Long time no see, Ma'am!" Alfred, who has been our guard since then, saluted. I am happy to see him here. I fully thought that he joined his family in the province.

"Brother! I miss you!" I screamed as soon as I got out of the car. I couldn't stop myself from hugging him. Why not, right? He was one of the people who lifted me up and helped me when no one could. When I was young, he was one of my allies whenever Mommy and Daddy scolds me. I even thought that they'll fire him for being on my side, and I'm glad that he wasn't.

"Oh, Mother Delia's daughter is already big..." He laughed softly.

Mother Delia...I will never forget her. She's the best mother that a person could ever have. She raised me and I am so thankful of her because she was one of my inspirations and motivations to be able to stand on my own feet.

And she's the only mother figure that I have not I am very much proud to have.

Chapter 8: Help

"Mother Delia!" I screamed so loud when I got inside. After a while, someone came out from the kitchen. Her eyes widened as she hurriedly walked towards me. I met her halfway before hugging her.

"Oh... My daughter grew up beautifully..." her soft voice made me close my eyes as I hugged her so tight. I kissed the top of her hair, smelling her in the process.

I miss her. I miss my home...

"I miss you, Momma..." I whispered softly. I smiled a little when I felt her hug tightening around me. After a while I heard her sniffed which surprised me. I broke our hug before looking at her. She was already crying. I wiped her tears while stopping mine from falling too. Gosh!

"My daughter...I miss you..."

"Oh gosh..." I hugged her again and kissed her head several times.

"I really miss my Momma too..." my mouth trembled as I spoke. I was on the verge of crying too. My chest started to tighten but I am very happy. I want to regret why I left her here. I wish I had forced her to come with me so that we wouldn't miss each other like this too much.

After our short reunion, she immediately sent me to the pool area because Mommy and Daddy were there. She told me that she'll be cooking my favorite Filipino dish which is called pinakbet that's why I couldn't get rid of my smile when I went to the pool area.

"I'm here!" I said casually. I avoided looking at the other people there and instead, I only stared at Mommy and Daddy.

Daddy's frown was very visible as he looked at me from head to toe. Oh? Don't tell me they will criticize my clothes again. I was about to wear a lingerie here. But I changed my mind because my mother might scold me. And I meant my Momma Delia not the real one who doesn't care any single thing about me.

"Beautrin!" Mommy said in shock but the irritation in her voice did not escape my ears.

I rolled my eyes slightly. I reluctantly kissed my parents' cheeks before sitting on the empty seat next to Mommy.

"Trin..." my sister's soft voice made me stop. Next to her is...her fiance, of course. But I never looked at him. This is what he wanted. For us to be strangers in front of everyone, and who am I to refuse his wish?

I smiled sweetly at my sister before turning to the foods in front. I frowned. My favorite's aren't here. Oh well, I'll just wait for the pinakbet that Momma was cooking for me.

"You were late," Mommy commented later. I shrugged before holding the fork.

"Well, just lil, Mommy... The important thing is that I came, right?" I answered without looking at her. I poked the carrot on the vegetable salad before dipping it in the sauce.

"Sure, Trin. It's okay. We know you're busy. I thought you'd say no again..." I sighed. Sometimes, I really hate my sister for being so soft spoken. I can't be angry with her.

"Uh-huh. This would be the last time too..." I unconsciously murmured while stabbing the carrot repeatedly until it filled my fork and dipped it in the sauce again.

"Beautrin." Dad scolded coldly. I turned to him and smiled lightly.

"Oh, this is Beatriz's twin? Wow... They really don't differ much with the face, but the attitude..." Triz's...Triz's fiancé's mother laughed softly. I've met her before. When I was still together with her son. But I know that she doesn't like me, and so as me. I even forgot her name.

My family doesn't know that I've been in a relationship with Clau-my twin's fiancé then so...

"Yes, you got it, Claire. I didn't know where she inherited it." My good mother commented sarcastically as if she didn't want to talk about me. I rolled my eyes before putting my fork down.

"Is this all that I came here for? So you can talk about me?" I asked playfully but despite of that, I was serious, deep inside. I am not rude. Momma Delia didn't raise me to be one. It's just that...it's also difficult to adjust my behavior just for the other people. I mean, they're my family. If they're used of insulting me, well, not now. Not now because I'm not young anymore. I don't even know why they invited me here if they don't want me to be here in the first place. Surely, they want me here to talk shits about.

I smirked at Mom. I heard Triz's mother's...fiancé's snickered.

"Ah...ah...shall I get our dessert?" Beatriz asked softly. Mommy immediately looked away. I laughed softly because of that.

"Let the maids get it, sweety..." My Mom's sweet voice while talking to my twin.

I pouted and drank the orange juice on the side. While drinking, I couldn't stop myself from looking at the man in front who seemed to be looking at me for a while too. Even if I didn't look, I can feel his sharp gaze on me a while ago.

And I was right. There's nothing really new with the way he stared...so I just shrugged and looked away. Still disgusted and angry, I see.

I sighed.

I will forget you too, Claus. Not now, but I will surely do it.

Soon, the dessert has arrived. My twin helped on preparing it. Mom even tried to stop her but she didn't listen. She cut one piece of chocolate cake before giving it to me.

"I...baked it, twinny.." she whispered sweetly. My heart melted at that. She's really the sweetest. No wonder why he choose her.

"Thank you, twin." I said. "But I prefer the vanilla one." I was craving for it. Minerva, one of the housemaids, was just bringing it in and I was already drooling.

"Oh." Triz hurriedly took the chocolate cake in front of me before taking the vanilla cake from Minerva's hands and giving it to me. "Here. I thought your favorite was chocolate so... I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I always actually crave for it..."

"Oh! You are craving? No wonder, some articles appeared earlier that you are pregnant, hija?" The voice of my sister's mother in law sounded mocking. I looked at her and smiled sarcastically.

"Oh! I didn't know you believed such gossip? That's just rumors. Gosh!" I laughed and fanned myself. "Still can't believe that the great Mrs. Monteserio believes in such fuss. I mean... That's literally fake news. Fake." I emphasized the last word causing the woman to grut her teeth in annoyance. Gosh! Did I annoy her too much? That's a pity!

My twin sister again, broke the tension between us and started talking about her baked cakes.

I was more than happy when my favorite pinakbet arrived. I constantly kissed and hug Momma because of that.

"Maybe, my twinny can help me with the wedding preparations?" I coughed because of what my sister said. Mother Delia immediately came to my aid. She made me drink a water while stroking my back.

Gosh!

She's my twin but there's no way in hell that I will help her prepare her wedding with my...ex!